Awareness of Aspirin's Benefits Saves Lives

January 26, 2016

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, accounting for nearly one-third of all deaths. The diseases also create an immense national health economic burden.

The solution might be as simple as aspirin.

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found that the University of Minnesota's "Ask About Aspirin" initiative, a statewide public health campaign, is likely a beneficial and cost-effective way to reduce the incidence of a first heart attack or stroke.

The program is designed to lower cardiovascular risk in men ages 45-79 and women 55-79.

Researchers from the U of M's School of Public Health and the Cardiovascular Division estimate that nearly 10,000 fewer heart attacks and at least 1,200 fewer strokes would occur in Minnesota as a result of improving public knowledge of aspirin use.

Until now, it has not been known if efforts to directly inform the public about aspirin's health benefits would lower cardiovascular events, and thus cost, in any large state population.

"There is no other single cardiovascular medication as effective and inexpensive as aspirin," says Alan T. Hirsch, Professor of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, and study author. "Yet, despite the publication of national guidelines that have recommended increased use of aspirin, no prior state or national effort has effectively promoted such use. [This study] demonstrates that the health and economic impact [of effective promotion] would be immense."

Lakes are a part of the people of Minnesota’s identity. We all want to protect that. But there are 13 million surface acres of water in Minnesota—and a limited number of paid professionals available to prevent the serious threat of aquatic invasive species (AIS). So U of M faculty members Megan Weber and Dan Larkin are enlisting passionate citizens to protect Minnesota’s waters. Through the innovative AIS Detectors program, volunteers like Stephen Long and Cecilia Riedman are keeping these species from spreading to the pristine waters they call home.

U of M Extension’s Jake Overgaard grew up on a farm. He knows farming, and he understands that it’s changing. He and his Extension educator colleagues are using a new generation of educational tools to meet farmers where they’re at. That might include a podcast on improving disease management (to listen to while they’re driving a combine), or a YouTube video on business planning. Because when it comes to farming, an extra set of hands is always helpful.